© 2002 Christophe Drochon....Science Art-Birds

Title: Missi Tslatsa, Old Owl Woman
Species: Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
Artist: Christophe Drochon (for further information, click on the artist's name)
Image size: 32" x 25"
Medi: acrylic on canvas
Date: 2002

Based on genetic studies, the Snowy Owl has recently been moved from the genus Nyctea, to the genus Bubo, making it a close relative of the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) and the Eagle Owl(Bubo bubo). This will come as a surprise to many because the Snowy's two "new" cousins have prominent ear tufts. The Snowy's ear tufts may be minuscule in comparison, but the feathers of its eye ring are so large they cover much of its bill.

DNA evidence of similarities to the Great Horned and Eagle Owls aside, the Snowy still differs from most owls because it hunts in the day, and because females are larger than males. This has elevated them to long-maintained iconic status for many people. As the artist notes: "The choice of the Snowy for this painting was thrust upon me. She is a symbolic guide to the Native American Sarsi (Blackfoot) Tribe, and here I have tried to represent the intense expression of a female Sarsi doctor who was photographed by the well-known American photographer Edward S. Curtis."